Arriving at Hogwarts
14th of July, 1968 was a really hot day. The sky was clear, so there was nothing that could stop the Sun from mercilessly scorching anyone who dared to step outside. You were still able to sense an upcoming storm tho- the stuffiness in the air unmistakable.
However, the weather couldn't stop the two boys from running around on fake brooms, pretending to be world-class Quidditch players. The slightly taller one, his dusky skin visibly sun-kissed, chased the other child around his mother's garden, careful not to squash any plants. Second boy, his flawy teeth visible due to a prominent smile on his face, was running after a charmed rock- a replacement for an actual snitch.
Since meeting at 4 on a Christmas party hosted by the Potters, Peter and James were inseparable. Attached at hip, they met almost every day, playing, eating, learning, reading in silence. They developed a habit of having a sleepover at least once a week, as their parents grew to trust each other with their kids.
"Boys, it's time for dinner!" The melodic voice of Euphemia Potter came from inside the house, the strong smell of spices dancing around the air.
The two of them obediently sat at the table, starting to practically devour their meals. Over the last 4 years of eating at Potters', Peter got used to the spiciness of his best friend's mother's cooking, the food at his house tasting plain at this point.
"Maybe we can play something inside now? My father's been teaching me how to play chess lately I can show you!" Peter enthusiastically suggested, James only nodding his approval due to his full mouth. Hours later, tired of their daily mischief they layed on the floor of brunette's room, talking about most random things imaginable.
This free-spirited paradise lasted for next 3 years, boys' conversations then becoming an impatient rumbling about Hogwarts. "What house do you think we will be in?" asked Peter "Gryffindor obviously! My parents were there and it's for the brave! And we brave, remember when we climbed that tree just to save a cat? That was super brave!"
"Yeah, probably. Anyway, my mum will send us a big package with her homemade sweets! She even said that she will include her cheesecake cookies!" Those were their favourites, his mother always making them super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. James then proceeded to rumble about what he read in "Hogwarts: a history" and telling Peter to read it himself.
1st of September, 1971 was a truly eventful day. James was amazed by Hogwarts and had a new goal- he would make sure that Sirius Black, the boy with whom they sat with on their way to school, will become his friend. Peter was, of course, also bewildered with the whole thing.
It was just that weird feeling in his guts when he noticed James' fascination with Sirius. Why would James want to be friend with such a guy? Arrogant, surely muggle-hating, weird kid. The moment he saw him, Peter just knew that they would not like each other.
At the same time, through the 5 hours they spent together on the train together, he grown to like Remus. He sat in the compartment with Sirius and them, and even though he's quiet, and introverted, he seems like a nice lad. Peter also felt himself being drawn to his mysteriousness, as the boy's body was littered with that bad-ass looking scars, although he looked like he wanted to hide them (or probably hide himself) from the world.
After being sorted to Gryffindor like James guessed, he sat down and noticed Lupin and Black also there. How did Sirius end up there anyway? Weren't Blacks supposed to be Slytherins? During the feast James excitedly tried to engage the guy in conversation, but failed due to Sirius quite obviously ignoring him. Of course he thought himself higher than them, the arrogant git.
After they were lead to the dorms, he quickly washed himself and shortly talked with James due to both of them being really tired. They quickly decided to call it a night and both went to sleep.
And even though the exhaustion after the day, he couldn't sleep at all. He lied there, constantly turning from side to side. Eventually, there came the dark thoughts about the day- James started to make new friends and it was good for him, and Peter did not like it.
Don't get him wrong- he really wished James the best, but why did he choose Black for his new friend? Of course, James also started to befriend Lupin and it was alright, because Remus was a good guy. Sirius wasn't a good guy in the slightest, he looked at Peter with some kind of disgust and what if he spread that to James?
He knew that James wasn't like that, the boy too good for ever really hurting anyone, let alone his best friend of almost 7 years. It was just that he never really had to share James with anyone. That anyone being Sirius Black, the heir to that disgusting family that his father warned him about. He said that Peter better not mess with that sort of kids at Hogwarts, as their magic was known for being incredibly strong in contrast to his, which was slightly under the norm. He couldn't even protect himself from that guy, let alone stand up to him.
His father also said something about Blacks liking to "keep it in the family" and their heir being result of incest. Peter had no idea what that even was, but maybe he could use that in case Sirius ever tried to do anything to him? That still didn't change the terryfing thought that maybe, Black could replace Peter. He knew that James isn't like that, but what if?
Jealous tears welled in his eyes and he let them fall- usually he was so drained after crying that it was a lot easier to fall asleep.
And if he heard poorly muffled sobs from Black's bed that night, why should he care?